The Effects Of Cytokines On The Formation And Development Of Pterygium

Objective : Pterygium formation is the process of the arising and extending of wing-shaped fold of fibrovascular tissue from the interpalpebral conjunctiva to the cornea. Histologically, pterygium is composed of atrophic conjunctival epithelium which forms the head and a highly vascularised connective tissue which forms the body , featuring the infiltration of chromic inflalmmatory cells and abundant vascular bed and displaying the process of hyperplasia and degeneration. The only way to treat this disease is to excise the pathologically changed tissue. Whereas due to its high rate of recurrence, the method is a major factor which affects the early treatment of the disease. Another surgical treatment indicates an even higher possibility of recurrence, leading to some cases of plastic disfigurement or severe damage of eyesight, which in turn, harm the patients'physical and mental health greatly. Epidemiological findings show that the disease is related to the chronic stimulation of and local chronic inflammatory response to various external factors, such as ultraviolet radiation and wind dust. Recent investigations indicate that cytokines play important roles in the mechanism, especially in fibroblast proliferation and inflammation. By investigating the expression of bFGF and IL-6 in pterygium formation , this study discussed the stimulating effect of these cytokines on the formation and development of pterygium, which may offer certain theoretical support to the clinical treatment and cure of the disease.Methods: 32 eyes of 32 patients with primary pterygia were divided into 2 groups according to the degree of local congestion and hypertrophy.